Overview
Potentilla recta 'Alba' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Potentilla, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Potentilla recta 'Alba' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include borders, low hedging and rock gardens.
About
Potentilla recta 'Alba' is a clump-forming deciduous perennial cultivar within the Potentilla genus, known for its herbaceous perennials and shrubs with divided foliage and saucer-shaped flowers. This cultivar thrives in full sun, particularly in south- or west-facing, exposed locations, and prefers fertile, well-drained soils including chalk, clay, loam, or sand with a range of pH levels. Hardy to UK zone H6, it flowers in spring and summer, making it suitable for borders, low hedging, and rock gardens. Propagation can be achieved by seed or division.
About the genus
Potentilla is a genus containing over 500 species of annual, biennial and perennial herbaceous flowering plants in the rose family, Rosaceae.
Wikipedia contributors, "Potentilla", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Potentilla
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Potentilla
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Potentilla recta 'Alba' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Low hedging, Rock gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Potentilla recta 'Alba'
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Potentilla recta 'Alba'?
Potentilla recta 'Alba' prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Potentilla recta 'Alba' need?
Potentilla recta 'Alba' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Potentilla recta 'Alba' hardy in the UK?
Potentilla recta 'Alba' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Potentilla recta 'Alba'?
Seed, Division.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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More in the Potentilla genus
- Potentilla 'Flamenco'cinquefoil 'Flamenco'

- Potentilla 'William Rollison'Cinquefoil

- Potentilla Megalantha CinquefoilCinquefoil
- Potentilla argyrophylla

- Potentilla atrosanguineadark crimson cinquefoil

- Potentilla nepalensisNepalese cinquefoil

- Potentilla nepalensis 'Master Floris'Nepal Cinquefoil

- Potentilla nepalensis 'Roxana'Nepal cinquefoil 'Roxana'
